DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN ARCHITECTURE

Our PhD in Architecture programme provides a platform for you to delve deep into your chosen research areas, pushing the boundaries of architectural understanding and practice. As a doctoral candidate, you will work closely with your advisors to develop and execute a research project of substantial scope and significance.

While not a licensure programme, the Doctor of Philosophy (Architecture) offers extensive opportunities, producing scholars whose work shapes policy and practice across Asia. With only a select few admitted each year, you'll join a tight-knit community of researchers who are passionate about driving innovation in the field through critical analysis and the generation of new insights.

Duration

3 to 6-year (Full Time)

4 to 8-year (Part Time)

Study options

Full Time or Part Time

As a doctoral student in business, you will embark on a research journey that will deepen your understanding of the field and make significant contributions to knowledge. Our programme is designed to provide you with a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment, allowing you to thrive as a researcher and innovator.

Key Research Areas

At Taylor's University, we believe research can help shape the future. Our postgraduate research programmes cover a broad range of topics with the aim to help shape the future in the aspects of society, technology, economy, and environment.

FUTURE CAREERS

When you've successfully completed this Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture programme, you could embark on any of these exciting careers, including:

• Architectural Critic
• Building Conservationist
• Historian
• Professor/Researcher
• Project Manager
• Sustainable Design Consultant
• Urban Designer

We offer two entry pathways for this PhD programme, which are normal mode and prior to publication mode. Our PhD by Prior Publication mode provides a unique pathway for you to achieve a Doctoral award based on your existing body of work. We recognise the value of your prior publications and include them as a significant part of your submission for the Doctoral award.

Normal Mode

Master's

A Master's Degree (Malaysian Qualification Framework, Level 6) or equivalent (accepted by HEP) in Architecture or related field. Applications are admitted who meet the course requirements and whose research interests match those of an available member of the doctoral faculty.

Interview & Review

Candidates are required to submit a statement of purpose of their motivation for engaging in this programme of study. Qualified applicants may be invited to interview with a member of the doctoral faculty.

English Requirement

International students must have proof of good proficiency in verbal and written English: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or its equivalent. The validity of the IELTS or equivalent is within 2 years from the date of the examination.

Accelerated PhD Programme

Bachelor's degree candidates who are registered for master's degree programmes may apply to convert to the doctoral degree programmes subjected to the following conditions:

• Within 1 year for full time and within 2 years for part-time candidates
• Having shown competency and capability in conducting research at doctoral level through rigorous internal evaluation
• Approval of the Taylor's University Senate

If Your Bachelor's Degree is from a Different Field

Students without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience are required to undergo and pass a bridging module.

Note: 

• Any of the condition of the above would require student's research proposal to be approved.
• All information is subject to change. Readers are responsible for verifying information that pertains to them by contacting the university.

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university